Ceiling modules



March 5, 1968 M. L. QUIN ETAL 3,

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Filed Sept. 22, 1965 I INVENTOR M0 e4r 4. cPU/N 5v W/AAAD jZiRA/ErfATTOQNE Y,

United States Patent 3,372,270 CEILING MODULES Murray L. Quin, Overland,and Willard R. Garnett, Bellefountaine Neighbors, Mo., assignors toEmerson Electric Co., St. Louis County, Mo., a corporation of MissouriFiled Sept. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 489,312 25 Claims. (Cl. 240-9) ABSTRACTOF THE DISCLOSURE A ceiling made up of ceiling modules each formed offour trapezoidal panels, each convergent edge of each of the panelsbeing contiguous a convergent edge of another panel, the long bases ofthe panels lying in a common plane, and the short bases of the panelsdefining an open seat. A spine extends along and above each line of contiguity between adjacent panels and mounting means in the form ofoutwardly extending hooks are provided on the spines above the line ofcontiguity. A central closure member openably mounted in the seatdefined by the short bases of the trapezoids. The central closure membermade up of a lamp housing and a light transmitting panel. Lamps mountedin the housing are oflFset vertically and cross intermediate their ends.Four modules supported at one corner by a single hanger.

Background of the invention practice is to install lighting fixtures andventilating outlets within suspended ceilings in a manner to concealtheir housings, connecting conduits and ducts, and to present an overalldecorative appearance when view from the room below.

Heretofore, the assembly of suspended ceilings has been dependent uponthe procurement and fitting together of many individual parts andmaterials, the parts themselves being difl'erentiated in terms offunction. The construction of such ceilings has been one of piece-mealassembly requiring considerable prior planning and onsite coordinationof workmen. Moreover, the actual functioning of a completed ceiling interms of overall perform-ance has been diflicult to anticipate becausethe various parts are generally engineered to operate independently andare tested accordingly.

The problem has been recognized, and several novel proposals have beenmade heretofore, see, for example, US. Patents t-o Wulle, No. 2,775,927,Wakefield, No. 2,833,199, and Kruger, No. 2,854,565. v

One of the objects of thisinvention is to provide a'ceiling module whichhas substantial area yet is of a size convenient to handle, which can beinstalled as a single unit, which used repetitively, provides anattractive and effective ceiling through its entire extent, and whichperforms additional functions.

Another object is to provide ceiling modules which can perform thenecessary illuminating, acoustical and ventilating functions to maintainenvironmental comfort within rooms.

Still another object of this invention'is to provide a ceiling modulewhich can, in any desired combination therefor, control the distributionof visible energy, control the distribution of acoustical energy, andcontrol the distribution of thermal energy with regard to spaces aboveand below the ceiling plane.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a ceiling modulewhich is light in weight but which is rigid, durable and dimensionallystable for all intended uses.

Summary of the invention In accordance with this invention, generallystated, a'

ceiling module is provided which includes a normal or ventilated lamphousing surrounded by a ceiling-defining area formed of panelssymmetrically arranged about it, each of the panels being provided withreinforcing spines which, when assembled form at least a portion of alamp housing-supporting seat.

The ceiling-defining panels are so arranged that one module can beplaced adjacent another module at any or all of the four side edges, sothat a multiplicity of the modules can be used to provide a continuousceiling. It is to be understood, of course, that some panels ofdiflerent sizes at the periphery of the ceiling may be necessary toaccommodate rooms in which the dimensions are not uniformly multiples ofthe span of one of the ceiling modules of this invention. On the otherhand, the modules of this invention lend themselves to the provision ofdivider channels and the like between successive modules so as to permitflexibility in the installation of room dividers. The ceiling modules ofthis invention also permit the installation between successive modulesof heating and cooling ducts or channels, or to provide a differentdecorative effect from that which is produced by contiguous, abuttingmodules. The ceiling defining panels themselves can be, and preferablyare, perforated to permit greater sound absorption or to admit air orboth. Illustrative embodiments of these various constructions aredescribed and illustrated.

In the embodiments shown and described, the lamp housing itself issquare, although it may be 'elonga'tedly rectangular. In the preferredembodiment, provision is made for positioning fluorescent lampsdiagonally from corner to corner of the housing in two sets, one abovethe other, so that the lamps cross in 'the area of the center of thelamp housing. The lamp housing is provided with a ventilating openingimmediately above the area of crossing of the fluorescent tubes so as toinsure against overheating of the lamps at their intersecting areas.While, as is illustrated hereinafter, arrangements of fluorescent lampsare contemplated in which the lamps extend from side to side of ahousing in a conventional way, the arrangement of the diagonal, crossedlamps of the preferred embodiment has several advantages. Longer lamps,e.g. four foot lamps as contrasted with three foot lamps, have longerlife and are more efficient in light output per "foot of length. Sincefewer lamps are required to produce equal light, the total module weightcan be reduced since fewer ballasts are required. Another advantage,less obvious until witnessed, is the overall symmetry of appearance ofthe crossed lamp module as compared with luminaires with parallel rowsof lamps, in spite of the elevational differences between the upper andlower of the crossed lamps. i

Brief description of the drawing FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged,top plan view of a part of a lamp housing forming a part of the ceilingmodule of FIGURES 2 and 3, partly broken away;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 5, showing one of the partsreversed to render a ventilating opening inoperative;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along theline 77 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along theline 88 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along theline 9 9 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of ceiling module ofthis invention;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along theline 11-11 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of ceilingmodule of this invention;

FIGURE 13 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of ceilingmodule of this invention;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary, sectional view of yet another embodiment ofceiling module of this invention wherein air is directed through achannel between adjacent modules from a plenum chamber mounted on andextending between the adjacent modules;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary, sectional view of yet another embodiment ofceiling module of this invention wherein air is directed throughperforations in a panel of the module from a plenum chamber mounted onand above the panel; and

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary top plan view of a meeting corner of fourceiling modules of this invention, showing the corner supporting bracketshown in side elevation in FIGURE 3.

Description of the preferred embodiments Referring now to FIGURE 1 ofthe drawing, reference number 1 indicates a ceiling made up of amultiplicity of modules 2. Each of the modules 2 includes four panels 3and a lamp housing 60 as further illustrated in FIG- URE 2.

In the embodiment of module shown in FIGURES 2-6, each of the panels 3includes a central web section 30, which, in this embodiment, tendsupwardly from a lower edge 31 to an upper edge 36 at the foot of a step37 defined by a vertical riser 38 and an inwardly directed tread 39. Amarginal flange 32 is integral with the Web 30 along the lower edge 31.The flange 32 is provided with an inturned lip 33 at its upper edge.

Each of the panels 3 of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2-6 is in theform of an isosceles trapezoid, with the marginal flange 32 along itsbase, the step 37 along its parallel upper, short edge, and with a spine40 along and integral with each end. The angle which the ends make withthe base and upper edge of the trapezoidal panel is such as to cause thepanels to meet at 45, in plan, as shown in FIGURE 2, when the panels areassembled, to form a module which is square in outline.

The spines 40 are high, relative to the marginal flange 32, for example,and extend through substantially the whole length of the ends of thepanel. Each of the spines 40 has a flange 41, integral with it, alongits upper edge, projecting over the web of the panel of which it is apart. At the upper, inner end of the spine 40, the spine has a verticalwing 43, integral with the spine, and bent to be parallel with the upperand lower edges of the panel. The wings 43 as shown in FIGURE 3 are intwo parts, a lower of which extends a short distance along the outsideface of the riser 38 and the upper of which is offset vertically andoutboardly of the lower part and extends above the treads substantiallyto the height of the spines.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2-6, a hanging bracket plate 50 ismounted on the outer part of the spine 40. A hook 54 on the plate 50engages a hanger bracket 55, suspended by a threaded rod 57 from somefixed structure 56. The hanger bracket can be screwed up and down therod 57 for vertical adjustment.

The panels 3 are joined by welding, riveting, or otherwise securing theflat outer faces of the spines 40 in tight abutment, as shown in FIGURE2.

The treads 39, when the panels are assembled, form a continuous ledgearound the upper edge of the panels. The lower parts of the wings 43provide reinforcement for the steps 37 and the upper parts formpositioning and lateral restraining elements of a seat made up of thewings 43 and treads 39. As can be seen in FIGURE 2, the seat as demarkedby the upper part of the wings 43 is square in plan, and is adapted toreceive lamp housing 60.

The lamp housing 60 includes side walls 61, a bottom flange 62 whichrests on the ledge provided by the treads 39, a frame defining top wall63 and a removable cover 65. Around its inner periphery the top wall 63,has, integral with it, a trough 64, which is adapted to receive adownwardly bent rim 68 of the cover 65. Four latches 66, one on eachedge of the cover, hold the cover but permit it to be easily removed andinstalled. The cover 65 has in it a central ventilating opening 69,which may be used to permit the interior of the lamp housing tocommunicate with a plenum chamber defined between the ceiling and thesupporting structure, through a bafile plate 70, which is provided withopenings 71 offset laterally from the opening 69. A central area of thecover around the opening 69 is embossed upwardly, and the baffle plate70 is dished, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, so that the two provide apassage 72 for the air moving through the holes 69 and 71 when theiroffset portions are oppositely disposed as shown in FIGURE 5 and sealedagainst passage of air when the baflle plate is reversed and nested, asshown in FIGURE 6.

As shown particularly in FIGURES 2 and 3, the side Walls 61, near eachcorner of the housing, are bridged with compartment-defining webs 74 toaccommodate sets of fluorescent lamp-holders 75. The lamp-holder 75shown in FIGURE 3 is low in the housing 60, at the same level as alamp-holder in the diagonally opposite corner. In the other two cornerslamp-holders 75 are provided at a level sufliciently far above the levelof the lower lamp-holders that the lamps cross, as indicated in FIGURE2, without touching, as indicated in FIGURE 3.

The housing 60 is provided with light-baflled passages along its lowerinside edge, which may be of conventional construction, and is providedwith a light-diffusing panel or lens 85, supported in a hinged frame,which may also be of conventional design.

Suitable ballast chambers and wiring conduit are provided within thehousing 60 to one side of cover 65, in such a way that the cover 65 canbe removed easily and that external wiring connections can be madeeasily through the opening provided when the cover 65 is removed.

It can be seen that since the marginal flanges 32 are flat faced andvertical, and since the hanger plates 50 are offset inwardly from themarginal flanges, the marginal flanges of contiguous modules could bemade to abut tightly to form a continuous ceiling area. However, in thisembodiment, the corner bracket 55 and bracket plates 50 are soproportioned as to space the flat face of adjacent panels from oneanother. The intervening gap is bridged by hinged leaves 51, connectedto the top edge of the flange 32 by means of piano hinges 52. The use ofthe hinged leaves 51 not only provides a quick and easy means of closingthe gap between modules, but permits expansion of the modules withintense heat without buckling. The hinged leaves also can be used asdampers, with respect to plenum chambers above the module gaps orchannels for the control of air.

Merely by way of illustration, the module may be 59 inches square andthe lamp housing 37 inches square. The distance across the seat for thehousing, from riser to opposite riser, can be 35 /2 inches, and frominner edge of one tread to the opposite one, about 34 /2 inches. Theinclination of the web 30 from the plane of the bottom edge of thepanels can be 25. The spine 40 can be 5 /2 inches high, measured alongits inwardly sloping edge from the outer corner of the panel, as shownin FIGURE 3, and 3 /2 inches high at its upper end. The marginal flanges32 can be 1% inches high.

As has been pointed out, one standard fluorescent lamp tube comes infour foot lengths; Accordingly, a standard four foot fluorescent lampwould not fit across the housing, which is only 37 inches from side toside. However,

the housing is approximately 52% inches from corner to corner, whichprovides ample room to mount the sets of lamp-holders 75 and still toaccommodate a four foot lamp. In this way, the module can be kept to asize which can be manufactured easily, made rigid and sturdy withoutundue weight, and handled and installed easily. For example, one type ofcommercial ceiling module of this invention with crossed lamps weighs,complete, about sixty pounds and can support in excess of 500 poundswith a deflection of less than /s inch.

Referring now to FIGURE 7 for another embodiment of ceiling modules ofthis invention, the module of this embodiment is defined by fourmarginal metal panels 703, each of which is provided with a stiffeningflange 732 along its outer edge and a flange 738 along its inner edge.In this embodiment, the panels 703 have a flat center web 730, and theflanges 732 and 738 are perpendicular to the center web 730. Each of thepanels 703 is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid, with the marginalflange 732 along its base, the flange 738 along its inner edge parallelwith the base, and with a spine 740 along and integral with each end.The ends, hence the spines, extend at an angle of 45 from the outer edgeof the panel. Four panels are assembled by bolting, riveting, or weldingthe spines together, to make a square ceiling-defining area and a lamphousing-receiving seat. The lamp housing can be of the type described inconnection with the embodiment of module shown in FIG- URES 2-6, or ofsome different construction, as illustrated in other of the embodimentsto be described. The module shown in FIGURE 7 is shown without hingedleaves. It is to be understood that the module of FIGURE 7 can beprovided with hinged leaves of the type shown in FIGURE 3, if desired.No central closure panel is shown in this figure or in FIGURE 8, but anysuitable lamp housing or the like may be utilized, examples of which aredescribedhereinafter.

In FIGURE 8 an embodiment of ceiling modules is shown which resemblesthe one shown in FIGURES 26, and the feature of which can be utilized inthe embodiment of FIGURES 26. Four marginal metal panels 803 have centerwebs 830 which, in this embodiment, are perforated so that all of themare foraminous. Each of the webs 830 is backed by a layer of acousticand thermal insulation 823 and, covering the insulation 823, by asound-attenuating metal sheet 824. No hinged leaves are provided aroundthe outer edge of the module shown in FIGURE 8.

Referring now to FIGURES 9 and 10 for still another embodiment of thisinvention, a ceiling module 902 is provided with an incandescent lamp901. The panel members of the module 902 are essentially the same asthose shown in FIGURES 2-6 and 8. The central web of the panels isperforated, and is backed by a sound-absorbent insulating material 923.A housing 960 rests on a tread 939. A flange 949 on the inner edge ofthe tread 939 forms a part of a light baffle, with suitable bafliing inthe housing 960, as shown particularly in FIGURE 9. The housing 960 alsoincludes a frame-defining top wall 963, with a trough along its inneredge, in which a flange of a removable cover 965 rests. The cover 965 issubstantially the same as the cover 65 shown in FIGURE 3, except, that,in lieu of a baffle plate 70, a reflector 970 is attached to theunderside of the cover at points radially outboard of the centralventilating opening. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 9, the reflector970 is attached by sheet metal screws. The reflector 970 has a centralcup 971, with a convex bottom, as viewed from above the reflector, whichprovides a concave reflecting surface. The walls of the cup are providedwith air passages 972, which communicate with the central ventilatingopening, as shown in FIGURE 9.

As is indicated schematically in both FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 9, the airmoving through the central ventilating opening in the cover can eitherbe directed through a conduit of some sort, or into the plenum chamberformed between the ceiling defined by the modules and supportingstructure above them.

A conical wall of the reflector 970 has an incandescent lamp holdermounted in it, as shown clearly in FIG- URE 9.

In this embodiment, an enclosure 985 is hinged by means of wingsprojecting at opposite ends in a manner commonly used in commerciallighting fixtures, to permit the enclosure being swung down whendesired. The

enclosure 985 has a perforated metal flat bottom panel 986, backed bysound-absorbent insulation. The bottom 986 has a central aperture, inwhich a transparent, light controlling lens is seated. The lens ismounted, in the em bodiment shown, by means of four clips, underlyingand overlying the flange about the periphery of the light controllinglens.

It will be observed that the reflector 970 is spaced above the uppersurface of the insulation on the bottom 986, to permit the passage ofcooling air from the lightbaifled passage along the edge of theenclosure, shown in FIGURE 9, under the lower edge of the reflector 970, past the incandescent lamp, and out through the holes 972 and theventilating opening in the cover 965.

In FIGURES 11 and 13,'still another embodiment of ceiling module of thisinvention, equipped with a bulbar electric discharge lamp such asmercury vapor or the like, is illustrated. In this embodiment, the panelmembers are identical with the panel members of the embodiment shown inFIGURE 9. The lower portion of a housing 1160 is also identical with alower part of the housing 960 illustrated in FIGURE 9. An enclosure 1185includes a frame 1186 hinged to the housing 1160 and mounting avprismatic lighting panel 1187. These can be conventional elements,conventionally mounted. However, because of the more intense heat givenoff by bulbar electric discharge lamps, the upper surface of the lenscan have a thin metallic coating to reflect infrared energy and transmitvisible light. The infrared energy reflected from the coating isabsorbed by the metal housing surface and transferred to the ventilatingflow of air passing through the module. In this embodiment, the housing1160 has side walls 1161, one of which has a socket arm supportingbracket 1162 welded or otherwise secured to its inside surface. Thebracket 1162 carries a tubular lampholder support 1163, at the end ofwhich is a lamp-holder 1164 for the reception of a bulbar electricdischarge lamp 1150. Electrical conductors, not here shown, areconnected to the lamp-holder 1164, run down the arm 1163, and areconnected to a ballast located in a suitable compartment 11-52 mountedto project partly above the housing 1160. The cover 1165, in thisembodiment, is domed to serve as a reflector. A ventilating opening inthe center of the cover 1165 is in an upwardly offset area of the cover,and is covered on its underside by a reflector baffle plate 1171, withvent holes 1172 around its radially outer area.

In FIGURE 12, an embodiment of ceiling module of this invention is shownin which fluorescent lamps are mounted, in a single layer, parallel withone another and perpendicular to sides of the housing between which they7 extend, as distinguished from being mounted to extend diagonally ofthe housing and at two levels.

Referring now to FIGURE 14, an embodiment of ceiling module of thisinvention is shown in which two modules, which, in the illustrativeembodiment shown, can be identical with the modules shown in FIGURE 9 orFIGURE 11, are spaced apart to define between them a channel 1420, whichis bridged by an arched top wall 1424 of a plenum chamber 1425. Theplenum chamber 1425 also has a bottom wall 1426, and end walls 1427. Theplenum chamber 1425 has near its longitudinal center, a duct opening1428, which receives a duct fitting 1429, which, in the embodiment shownin FIGURE 14, carries air under pressure. The bottom wall 1426 restsupon the insulation on the sloping panel of one of the modules, andterminates coincidently with the vertical face of the marginal flange ofthat panel. One side edge of the arched wall 1424 of the plenum isprovided with a flange which rests, with an intervening gasket 1432, onan in-turned ledge of the marginal flange of the facing panel of theother module. Plenum chamber 1425 is lined with insulating materialwhich, on the inner side of the edge of the arched wall 1424 which restson the ledge, is substantially coincident vertically with the verticalpart of the marginal flange. Accordingly, a gap is defined between theend of the bottom 1426 and the inside face of the insulation on thearched wall 1424, which gap forms a continuation of the passage 1420,all as shown in FIGURE 14.

Referring now to FIGURE 15, an embodiment of ceiling module of thisinvention is shown in which the panels are foraminous, and at least oneof them is not backed with insulation, but is provided with a plenumchamber 1525, open at its bottom, and so constructed as to deliver airunder pressure through the foraminous panel itself. Insulation on theinner side of the plenum chamber 1525 serves to deaden sound created andcarried by moving air and also sound from the room area below andinhibit the transfer of heat through the plenum chamber walls. Thearched wall of the plenum chamber also serves as a sound attenuator.

Numerous variations in the construction of the module of the inventionwithin the scope of the appended claims, will occur to those skilled inthe art in the light of the foregoing disclosure. The proportions of thevarious elements of the combination may be varied, so long as the spinesare made of sufiicient height through the length of each panel toprovide rigidity and serve as an element of the housing seat. The slopeof the web of the panels can be varied even to a negative angle ascompared with the angles shown, though the embodiments illustrated arepreferred for strength and appearance. The panels can be arched insection, the marginal flanges being planar ver tically. The panels canbe coated or decorated in any desired way and, while it is contemplatedin the embodiments shown that the panels and housing be made of sheetmetal, enameled or otherwise suitably protected and decorated, one orboth could be made of other materials. One reason why the preferredembodiments of this invention are made of steel is that, whenconstructed of steel, all the load bearing areas of the modulesdescribed resist deflection and all surfaces expand evenly to preventwarping and distortion when the modules are exposed to extremetemperatures, as in the case of fire. It can be seen that the insulatingmaterial shown in several of the embodiments can be also a good thermalinsulating material, such as mineral wool, and may be applied liberally,to provide a ceiling which will retard the passage of heat from thespace below the ceiling to the supporting structure. The various panelscan be made imperforate or foraminous, as the case may be, and backed ornot backed. The arrangement of lamps and lamp holders can be variedwidely. For example, different numbers of fluorescent and incandescentlamps may be employed. In the fluorescent lamp housings in which thelamps run diagonally, different numbers of lamps, both in total and indifferent levels can be used. When odd numbers of lamps are used, it ispreferable to locate the greater number in the upper tier of lamps. Forexample, if three are used, it is preferable to locate two lamps aboveand a single lamp below. These are merely illustrative variations.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is:

1. A ceiling module comprising a ceiling-defining area defined by aplurality of trapezoidal panels arranged in such a manner that eachconvergent edge of each said trapezoidal panel is contiguous aconvergent edge of another of said trapezoidal panels, the long bases ofthe trapezoids defining a plane polygon and the short bases of thetrapezoid defining an open seat, a spine along each line of contiguitybetween adjacent panels and extending above said panels, and mountingmeans on said spines above said line of contiguity.

2. The ceiling module of claim 1 wherein the trapezoidal panel membersare foraminous and are covered with thermal and accoustical insulatingmaterial.

3. The ceiling module of claim 1 wherein at least one of the trapezoidalpanel members is foraminous and communicates directly with a plenumchamber above said panel whereby an air-pressure differential throughforamina in said panels is maintained.

4. The ceiling module of claim 1 wherein at least one of the trapezoidalpanel members is foraminous and a plenum chamber of a size to fit thepanel is mounted on the upper surface of the panel.

5. The ceiling module of claim 1 wherein a plenum chamber is mounted onthe upper surface of at least one trapezoidal panel, said plenum chamberhaving a wall extending beyond the outer margin of said panel andadapted to engage an adjacent module spaced from the module on which theplenum chamber is mounted, said plenum chamber being provided with a gapcoincidental with the space between said modules.

6. A ceiling comprising a plurality of ceiling modules each having aceiling defining area formed of trapezoidal panels arranged about acentral opening, each of said panels having on each of two inwardlyconverging edges a substantially vertical, upwardly extending spineextending along said edge, said panels being joined to form an open seatfor a central closure member, said central closure member being openablymounted in said seat; hook means mounted on said spines and projectingoutwardly thereof laterally of the ceiling area; suspending and spacingmeans engaging one of said hook means on a plurality of adjacentmodules, by which adjacent of said ceiling modules are spaced from oneanother to define channels between them, and bridging means, carried bysaid panels, for bridging the space between adjacent ceiling modules.

7. The ceiling of claim 6 wherein the ceiling module bridging means arehinge leaves, each hingedly connected to one panel along an outer edgeof the panel.

8. A ceiling comprising (1) a plurality of ceiling modules, each of saidmodules comprising (a) a ceiling-defining area comprising a plurality oftrapezoidal panels arranged in such a manner that (i) each convergentedge of each said trapezoidal panel is contiguous a convergent edge ofanother of said trapezoidal panels (ii) the long bases of the trapezoidsdefine a plane polygon (iii) the short bases of the trapezoids define anopen seat (b) a central closure member openably mounted in said seat (c)a spine along each line of contiguity between adjacent panels andextending above said panels (d) mounting means on said spines above saidlines of contiguity;

(2) a supporting structure; and

(3) hanging means depending from said supporting structure, adapted toengage said mounting means.

9. The ceiling of claim 8 wherein said modules are arranged so that eachside of at least one of said polygons is contiguous a side of anadjacent polygon.

10. The ceiling of claim 9 wherein one of said hanging means engagesmounting means carried by a plurality of modules.

11. The ceiling of claim 9 wherein contiguous edges of said adjacentpolygons are spaced from each other to define channels between them.

12. The ceiling of claim 10 wherein one of said hanging means engagesmounting means carried by four modules.

13. The ceiling of claim 11 wherein bridging means are provided abovesaid contiguous edges of said adjacent polygons for bridging the spacebetween adjacent ceiling modules.

14. A ceiling module comprising a ceiling-defining area comprising aplurality of trapezoidal panels arranged in such a manner that eachconvergent edge of each said trapezoidal panel is contiguous aconvergent edge of another of said trapezoidal panels, the long bases ofthe trapezoids defining a plane polygon and the short bases of thetrapezoids defining an open seat, a central closure member openablymounted in said seat, a spine along each line of contiguity betweenadjacent panels and extending above said panels and mounting means onsaid spines above said line of contiguity.

15. The ceiling module of claim 14 wherein the central closure membercomprises a lamp housing and light transmitting panel.

16. A ceiling module comprising a ceiling-defining area comprising aplurality of trapezoidal panels arranged in such a manner that eachconvergent edge of each said trapezoidal panel is contiguous aconvergent edge of another of said trapezoidal panels, the long bases ofthe trapezoids defining a plane polygon and the short bases of thetrapezoids defining an open seat, and a light transmitting panel mountedin said seat.

17. The ceiling module of claim 16 wherein the area of the polygondefined by said long bases is at least twice the area of said lightingpanel.

18. The ceiling module of claim 16 including a ventilated housing abovesaid light transmitting panel, fluorescent lamp-holders arranged inpairs within said housing, each lamp-holder of a pair being opposite tothe other and at least two of said pairs being oriented at anintersecting angle to and offset vertically from one another wherebylamps extending between lamp-holders of said pairs cross one anotherintermediate their ends, said housing having a ventilating openingimmediately above the crossing area of said lamps.

19. The ceiling module of claim 18 wherein the housing is essentiallysquare in plan and the lamp-holders are located at corners of saidhousing, with the lamps extending at right angles to one another.

20. A ceiling module comprising a ceiling-defining area formed oftrapezoidal panels arranged about a central opening, each of said panelshaving on each of two inwardly converging edges, a substantiallyvertical upwardly extending spine extending along said edge, said panelsbeing joined to form an open seat for a central closure member, saidcentral closure member comprising a light transmitting panel, a lamphousing supporting said light transmitting panel, and a removable coveron said housing.

21. The ceiling module of claim 20 wherein a lampholder is mountedwithin the housing above said lighting panel.

22. The ceiling module of claim 21 wherein the lampholder is mounted onan arm supported at one end on a side wall of the housing.

23. The ceiling module of claim 21 wherein the lampholder is mounted ona reflector connected to the removable cover of the housing.

24. The ceiling module of claim 21 wherein a ventilating opening,communicating with a plenum chamber, is provided in the center of thecover and a lamp mounted in the lamp holder is positioned directly belowsaid ventilating opening.

25. A ceiling module comprising a ceiling-defining area formed of fourinwardly-upwardly inclined isosceles trapezoidal panels the bases ofwhich lie in a common plane, secured to one another and symmetricallyarranged about a central square opening defined by edges of ledgesintegral with said panels and parallel to said bases, each of saidpanels having integral with each of two inwardly converging edges asubstantially vertical spine of substantial height, extending the lengthof said edge and having, at its upper inner end, a wing extending abovea'continguous one of said ledges, contiguous spines being secured inface to face abutment and said wings forming with said ledges, a seatfor a square lamp housing, fluorescent lamp-holder arranged in pairs,each of said lamp-holders being mounted at a corner of said housing andthe lamp-holders of a pair being diagonally opposed to one another, atleast two of said pairs being oriented at right angles to one anotherand being offset vertically from one another whereby lamps extendingbetween opposed lamp-holders of said pairs cross one another at rightangles in the central area of said housing, said housing having aventilating opening immediately above the crossing area of said lamps,said housing being seated on the ledges of the panels with the wings ofsaid spines extending along the sidewalls of the housing at each corner.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,223,874 12/1940 Pieper 24051.112,759,094 8/ 1956 Goddard et a1. 2409 X 2,845,855 8/1958 Burns 240472,956,149 10/1960 Dowell et al. 2409 X 3,103,157 9/1963 Quin 98-403,146,956 9/1964 Schwartz et al. 240-9 3,202,815 8/1965 Moore 240783,246,137 4/1966 Zagel 24051.l1 X

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

DAVID L. JACOBSON, JOSEPH F. PETERS, IR.,

' 4mm? Ex i

